The Atlanta Falcons announced on March 6 several key developments as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL free agency period and an international regular-season game in Madrid, Spain. The news comes as the organization continues to shape its roster and coaching staff during the offseason.
The announcement of a regular-season game in Madrid highlights the National Football League’s ongoing efforts to expand its global reach. The league recently secured a multi-year agreement to play at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where last season saw Miami defeat Washington before a crowd of 78,610. “The passion for the NFL in Spain is at an all‑time high, and welcoming the Atlanta Falcons to Madrid for a regular‑season game is a historic moment for our growing fanbase,” said NFL Country Manager Rafa de los Santos. “I’m sure the Falcons will enjoy competing in such an iconic stadium as the Bernabéu, in one of the world’s great sporting capitals, Madrid, and that fans will once again experience firsthand the intensity, speed, and talent that make the NFL unique.”
General manager Ian Cunningham addressed roster needs following evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine. Cunningham said, “It’s a premium position. I feel like at this event it’s my job to look at every single position, but definitely going to make sure we evaluate the receivers as well.” Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized unity within his staff: “When you’re in that quarterback room, you want to make sure that the voice is singular… That’s part of the benefit of having Tommy Reese, having Alex Van Pelk, these are guys that I’ve coached with, guys that I believe what they believe. We’re all speaking the same language.”
Former Falcons center Drew Dalman announced his retirement after five seasons in professional football. Dalman was drafted by Atlanta in 2021 and started 40 games before joining Chicago last year. His time with Chicago reinforced Cunningham’s philosophy of building strong offensive lines.
The early negotiation period for free agency begins March 9 at noon Eastern Time and ends March 11 at 4 p.m., with teams able to negotiate contracts with agents representing players whose contracts expire on March 12.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website. The team began as an expansion franchise in 1965 according to their official website and is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website. The franchise has advanced twice to the Super Bowl—in 1998 and again in 2016 according to their official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as mascot for Atlanta according to their official website.
Looking ahead, analysts expect further updates on roster moves as free agency opens next week.
